At the recent UNIGIS International network meeting, the UNIGIS board of directors unanimously decided to award the distinction of “UNIGIS Fellow” to Ann Olivier – congratulations!
Ann had started her involvement with UNIGIS at the (then) Port Elizabeth Technikon, quickly developing their UNIGIS program into a highly regarded professional qualification. Over many years and through many structural changes, Ann Olivier was recognized as the ‘heart and soul’ of UNIGIS in South Africa. Numerous students owe their successful graduation to the motivation and support provided throughout their study program, and beyond: many successful geospatial careers would not have been possible without Ann’s unwavering mentorship.
Ann Olivier, after closure of the formal UNIGIS Sub-Saharan Africa presence, still works with students from the region registered at European partner universities towards their graduation. Her impact on and contribution to geospatial capacity building in this region cannot be underestimated!